Full Story

Being Human

Life is so very interesting and surprising, but above all educational. Who knew how much could be learned by visiting Guatemala and working side-by-side with the people of Chioya.

The human connectionWe figure out how to communicate regardless of language barriers and a simple smile or cry tells us all we need to know about how someone is feeling. Today, we saw laughter and tears, and we connected to this community through the most simplest of gestures and facial expressions. We could also see shyness, curiosity and maybe even a little bit of fear. We looked different, talked different and we were strangers in a small mountain community of 215 families who rarely see visitors. Yet, as humans we connected for a brief time and worked together in a common cause. We shared in feeling generosity toward each other and accepted each other's gifts and gratitude. In the biggest surprise of all, I realized I never felt uncomfortable or out of place. I can only believe that is because of how welcoming this community has been and how much our team believes in the work. We were improving their lives and that became a bond that binded us together.

The human conditionWe know that life can be hard and everyone experiences challenges. However, nothing can prepare you to see first-hand what it means to live with very little. In Chioya, nearly 85 percent of the community makes less than $2 a day. They live in wooden houses with dirt for floors and boards for beds. They have little food, clothing, furniture or personal effects. Schooling is limited and few ever have the money to leave the community to build a better life. Surprisingly, staying healthy is the greatest challenge of all. Looking into the faces of the children, we wonder what the future will hold for them and whether they will beat the odds. It's what makes the building of every stove so meaningful for us. It's one family who can breath easier and eliminate one health concern, and maybe provide a better life for the next generation.

A colleague today reminded us that thinking about how you can help everyone is too hard and too overwhelming, you need to just help one person at a time. Today, we helped Brenda and her family, including her mom Soyla and siblings Sandra and Alex. It was wonderful working, and playing, with them today. In that moment, for that hour, we were not different people from different places with different lives, we were humans working side-by-side with a common purpose. And it was great!